NZ
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Able was very friendly, informative and always eager to please
We considered several operators and value for money with Ibanga was very competitive.
All in all we had a great 12-day trip, with a couple of minor irritations on advised times to travel between places compared with the actual.
Our mid range option lodges were all comfortable, to the point we would have liked to have more time to enjoy the facilities and just relax occasionally. (Note: my wife and I are at retirement age).
We did not expect the extra cost for the safari guides that apperaed at each park who expected a fee.
Summary - excellent and a lifelong dream to sit with gorillas achieved.
CH
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Recommend the Gorilla trekking but don't go to another country other than Uganda and Rwanda
My girlfriend and I booked with Santaviva respectively Ivan a 14 days tour in the upper price segment for Uganda/Rwanda (Gorilla trekking) as well as Safari in Tanzania and 4 beach days in Zanzibar (no activities apart from a stone town visit the day we are leaving). It was our most expensive vacation so far (we paid together USD 14'000) and think it was for Santaviva as well.
For the Gorilla trekking, Ivan was very attentive and everything was well organized. He even helped us out and lent me his boots as my luggage did not arrive. If our trip ended there, it would have been 5 stars! But it didnt.
We do not recommend booking anything with Santaviva in another country other than Rwanda/Uganda. In Tanzania we needed another guide/driver (who did a very good job!) to do the Safari but Ivan joined the tour as well. However, this was absolutely not necessary and we did not see such a set-up of 2 guides with any other tourists (and there were a lot of other tourists...). As newbies and not knowing how things/safaris work in Tanzania we would have expected that we were at least asked about this but we were not. Throughout most of our Tanzania trip it felt like we were 3 tourists and Ivan was just there to take videos and pictures to promote his Santaviva business on social media and have a good time/vacation. He even joined for example the balloon safari and got a (free) premium breakfast with the balloon guests as the only guide/driver of around 80 guest, which made us feel uncomfortable as the staff enabling him that clearly expected a tip for that (we were not asked nor did we want him to join). Further, he was not honest with us about the nice accommodation he stayed in. Confronted with this set-up, Ivan mentioned that this is the way Santaviva ensures quality and provides service to guests.
Ivan even flew with us to Zanzibar, in his words to say goodbye at the end of his journey (or if we want any additional activities, which was clear it was not our intent for those relaxing beach days). And as the only activity (a tour in Stone Town) was organized by an intermediary anyway, it did not make sense to us at all. On the way from the airport to the hotel he mentioned that his flight is 2 days after ours, only to mention a few minutes later that it was changed and now is even before we left (before any activities would have happened). However, we heard him mentioning this "suddenly changed" flight date and time already a week ago to another guy, so this was clearly a lie. Overall, we were left with a feeling that our trust was violated and that we overpaid and financed his business promotion and vacation trip, which is obviously not what we had intended. Finally to mention - everything else on the trip has worked out and was well organized.
FI
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Professional and personalised service
We spent 5 days and 4 nights with Peak Season Africa Safaris, including over New Year, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Kevin, was truly professional and reliable throughout the journey. He clearly loves wildlife and the animals, and his deep knowledge made every sighting more meaningful. Thanks to his expertise, we were able to see all the animals we had hoped for including the Big Five.
Kevin drove safely and responsibly, always on time, and he knew his role perfectly—never overstepping, but always attentive and accommodating to our needs. His calm presence and dedication gave us confidence and allowed us to fully enjoy the safari.
The only challenge we faced was the heavy traffic between Nairobi airport and Lake Nakuru National Park, which meant we arrived at the hotel after dark. However, Kevin handled the situation with care, and we reached safely.
Overall, the service, communication, and reliability of Peak Season Africa Safaris were excellent, and the value for money was clear in every detail. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy and enriching safari experience.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
perfect
I would like to give 100 score to the safari. Our tour guide Steve is nice and professional always helping us to find the good animals. Mike and Ben is awesome helping me with payment and take me to office. I would like to recommend the company to all.
EG
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional and friendly A fun, easygoing tour operator that makes every trip feel smooth, exciting
I had an amazing experience with Jimela Africa Safaris! From the very start, their communication was clear and friendly, making planning stress-free. The service throughout the trip was excellent—every detail was well-organized, and the guides were knowledgeable and welcoming. I felt I got great value for money, and everything ran smoothly, so I could just relax and enjoy the tour. The safari itself was unforgettable, full of breathtaking views and incredible wildlife encounters. I’d definitely recommend Jimela Africa Safaris to anyone looking for a reliable and fun adventure.
CN
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
A cost-effective choice
Solomon, the guide, is very good. I was worried that f4 would not be selected and a general guide would be arranged. But it turns out that solomon is the best. Solomo is very dedicated, perfect Safari.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great, great, great choose!
Robert quick replied and took care about ALL details since the first email. He managed our 3 days stavo east safari and then 8 days in watamu with some excursions for a very competitive price. Everything went perfectly and he made real our dream. Our safari guide was Julius, a very expert and pleasant person, able to drive us to meet all the animals, then he drop us during the other excursions in watamu. Thank you all, I cannot made a better choose
RU
Good choice
Our trip turned out to be truly amazing from start to finish. Everything was well organized, clear, and thoughtfully planned, which allowed us to fully relax and simply enjoy the journey.
What we especially appreciated was how the program was created together with the agency. They really listened to our wishes and built a well-balanced and logical itinerary around them. As a result, the trip felt very personal and comfortable — we never had to worry about logistics or details, everything was taken care of.
The journey lasted 10 days and took us through Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, and finally Arusha, which was our final destination. The route was perfectly paced and incredibly diverse, offering a full and rich safari experience.
A special mention goes to our guide, Nelson — though everyone called him Simba. He was fantastic: knowledgeable, calm, and very attentive. He never overwhelmed us with information, but whenever we had questions, he always had clear and insightful answers. Thanks to him, every day felt easy, engaging, and enjoyable.
Overall, the trip exceeded our expectations. It was smooth, thoughtfully organized, and genuinely memorable. We felt well cared for throughout the entire journey and would absolutely recommend this program and team to anyone looking for a comfortable and meaningful safari experience.
AE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
They always go the extra mile
My recent trip to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana was perfectly organized thanks to ASM Travel. From the very first interaction, their communication was clear, professional and reassuring. Every detail was thoughtfully planned transfers were always on time, accommodation was very good specially after the upgrade 😉 and the itinerary flowed smoothly across all three countries.
What truly stood out was their personal touch and flexibility. They were always available, proactive and ready to adjust plans to make sure I had the best possible experience. The service quality, reliability, and value for money were exceptional. I would highly recommend ASM Travel to anyone looking for a seamless, well curated African journey.
Personally I would like to Thank Arthur & Last for their warm hospitality and support during this trip.
Wonderful and Attentive!
The tour operator, Erick, was really amazing in helping me plan my trip. Helping to find accomindation that suited us and allowed us to customise the trip to suit us best. He was also able to organise the hot air ballon ride for us last minute. The tour itself was amazing, it was a good amount of time in each place. Gilbert, our tour guide was wonderful, we saw such incredible animals and he went out of his way to make sure we saw all the big 5! Could not recommend enough!